Rio Ferdinand, the renowned Manchester United legend and TNT Sports pundit, is currently in the hospital and will miss the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 7, 2025. Ferdinand, 46, shared a photo from his hospital bed on social media, expressing his disappointment at not being able to cover the match. In the post, he stated, "Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!"
The former England defender has been a staple on TNT Sports, frequently providing insights and commentary on European football. His absence comes as Arsenal prepares to face PSG at the Parc des Princes, trailing 1-0 on aggregate after a narrow defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. The winner of this tie will go on to face Inter Milan in the final, set to take place in Munich on May 31, 2025.
Ferdinand's health situation remains unclear, but it is reported that his condition is not serious. Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with well wishes, including a response from TNT Sports, which said, "Get well soon, Rio!" Ferdinand's commentary has often been filled with passion, especially during Manchester United's recent Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, where he was visibly ecstatic as United made a stunning comeback.
In his absence, Arsenal will be looking to overturn their deficit against PSG, a team that Ferdinand believes is formidable but not invincible. He previously shared his thoughts on the match during his podcast, stating, "If there is a team who can go to PSG and win, it's Arsenal. I don't think it's about ability at this stage; I think it's about mentality and belief. In Bukayo Saka, they've got a matchwinner who can turn the game on its head. There are positives there, but if the mindset isn't right, they will get smoked, I'm telling you. The problem for Arsenal is PSG are a proper team; I don't think they're invincible, but they've been the best team in the Champions League."
Ferdinand's predictions for the Champions League have not always been accurate; he recently predicted PSG would advance to the final at the expense of Arsenal. However, he was wrong about Barcelona's chances against Inter Milan, as the latter pulled off an incredible 4-3 victory in a thrilling match that went to extra time.
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has called on his players to channel their frustration from recent performances into a powerful showing against PSG. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth, Arteta emphasized the importance of using their anger as motivation. He stated, "We certainly wanted to create a really good vibe; a positive result would really help us to build what we wanted towards Wednesday. What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration, and a bad feeling in the tummy. So make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game, and be in the final."
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal, who must find a way to break through PSG's defense and secure a place in the final. Meanwhile, Ferdinand's absence will be felt, as he has been a key figure in TNT Sports' coverage of European football. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates from the match, with Ferdinand watching from his hospital bed.
In other news, PSG's star player, Ousmane Dembélé, has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available for selection against Arsenal. Dembélé, who scored in the first leg, has been instrumental in PSG's success this season, contributing 33 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His return is a significant boost for the French champions as they look to maintain their lead and advance to the final.
The stage is set for an exhilarating encounter in Paris, with both teams determined to secure their place in the Champions League final. With Ferdinand cheering from afar, Arsenal will aim to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that could change the course of their season.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Will Arsenal manage to turn the tide and overcome the odds, or will PSG's experience and talent see them through to the final? One thing is for sure: this match is bound to be a thrilling spectacle.
